Psychiatrists

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.

SOC: 29-1223.00

Common Job Titles

  • Child Psychiatrist
  • Outpatient Psychiatrist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Staff Psychiatrist

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeEvaluate psychiatric symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatment outcomes using evidence-based assessment tools and clinical interviews with diverse patient populations.
  • KnowledgeFormulate comprehensive treatment plans integrating psychopharmacology and psychotherapy independently in clinical settings, considering patient history, comorbidities, and safety concerns.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze complex biopsychosocial factors contributing to mental illness across multiple domains including neurobiology, psychology, and social determinants of health.
  • MindsetIntegrate therapeutic alliance principles with psychiatric assessment when establishing trust and rapport with patients experiencing acute psychiatric crises.
  • MindsetModel ethical practice standards and professional boundaries in complex clinical situations involving patient autonomy, involuntary commitment, and confidentiality.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize current psychiatric research and neuroscience findings to inform clinical decision-making and maintain evidence-based practice.
  • KnowledgeDesign psychopharmacological interventions monitoring therapeutic effects and managing medication side effects across psychiatric medication classes.
  • MindsetAdvocate for patient-centered mental health care when collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, families, and community resources.
  • KnowledgeAssess suicide risk and violent ideation in acute care settings, implementing appropriate crisis intervention and safety protocols.
  • Hands-onPerform comprehensive mental status examinations documenting findings accurately in electronic medical record systems.
  • MindsetBalance patient autonomy with safety imperatives when negotiating treatment adherence and involuntary intervention decisions.
  • KnowledgeInterpret laboratory results, neuroimaging, and psychological testing to differentiate psychiatric conditions from medical etiologies and comorbid conditions.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Psychiatrists (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

24,800

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $77,360. 25th percentile: U.S. $141,290. 50th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 75th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 90th percentile: U.S. $239,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$77,360
10% of workers earn the following or more$239,200+
Workers on average earn$269,120

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Therapy and Counseling4.9/5
  • Psychology4.9/5
  • Medicine and Dentistry4.8/5
  • English Language4.3/5
  • Biology3.8/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Epic Systems
  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • eClinicalWorks EHR software

Technology Skills

  • ADL Data Systems OptimumClinicals Electronic Health Record
  • Advantage Software Psych Advantage
  • Allscripts Sunrise
  • Blumenthal Software PBSW24
  • Cerner ProFile
  • Computer Assisted Diagnostic Interview CADI software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Epic EpicCare Inpatient Clinical System
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Desktop computers
  • Electronic blood pressure units
  • Laptop computers
  • Manual blood pressure units
  • Mechanical stethoscopes
  • Personal computers
  • Personal digital assistants PDA
  • Tablet computers